This 152-slide slideshow features screenshots from Greenlight Test Prep’s entire Sentence Equivalence module and covers every concept and strategy you need to know. It includes 30 practice questions, and each slide is linked to a corresponding free video from our GRE course.

1. www.GreenlightTestPrep.com
GRE Sentence Equivalence - Everything you need to know
This slideshow features screenshots from
Greenlight Test Prep’s entire Sentence Equivalence
module (consisting of 39 videos).
It covers everything you need to know, and it
includes 30 practice questions.

2. If, at any time, you’d like to watch the video
related to a certain flashcard, just click on the
link at the top of that page, and you’ll be taken
to the corresponding video
GRE Sentence Equivalence - Everything you need to know
www.GreenlightTestPrep.com

3. GRE Sentence Equivalence - Everything you need to know
If you enjoy this learning format, let us know,
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4. Introduction to Sentence Equivalence
• About ¼ of all Verbal questions
• Select 2 answer choices that complete the sentence
• The resulting sentences must have similar meanings
• No partial credit – you must select both correct answers
The conversation between the two men was very _________,
because it was too cold for them to linger in lengthy conversation.
(A) collegial
(B) terse
(C) meaningful
(D) brief
(E) antagonistic
(F) animated
Select the two answer choices that, when used
to complete the sentence, fit the meaning of
the sentence as a whole and produce
completed sentences that are alike in meaning
(watch the entire video)

5. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
1. Read the entire sentence to understand the big picture
• paraphrase if necessary
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
• relationship words
3. Predict an appropriate word for the blank (before checking
the answer choices)
4. Check the answer choices, and use scratch paper to record
responses
5. Beware of trap answers
6. Confirm that the two words create sentences with the same
meaning
(watch the entire video)

6. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
1. Read the entire sentence to understand the big picture
• paraphrase if necessary
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
• relationship words
3. Predict an appropriate word for the blank (before checking
the answer choices)
4. Check the answer choices, and use scratch paper to record
responses
5. Beware of trap answers
6. Confirm that the two words create sentences with the same
meaning

7. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
(watch the entire video)

8. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) large
(B) delicate
(C) disobedient
(D) big
(E) headstrong
(F) frail
Harriet’s dog, Bubbles, is too ___________ to complete
the structured training required to become a guide dog for
the blind.
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
(watch the entire video)

9. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) large
(B) delicate
(C) disobedient
(D) big
(E) headstrong
(F) frail
Harriet’s dog, Bubbles, is too ___________ to complete
the structured training required to become a guide dog for
the blind.
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
(watch the entire video)

10. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) large
(B) delicate
(C) disobedient
(D) big
(E) headstrong
(F) frail
Harriet’s dog, Bubbles, is too ___________ to complete
the structured training required to become a guide dog for
the blind.
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
unstructured
#14. unstructured
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
(watch the entire video)

11. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) large
(B) delicate
(C) disobedient
(D) big
(E) headstrong
(F) frail
Harriet’s dog, Bubbles, is too ___________ to complete
the structured training required to become a guide dog for
the blind.
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
unstructured
#14. unstructured
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.




(watch the entire video)

12. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) adulterate
(B) divulge
(C) amalgamate
(D) stymie
(E) conflate
(F) repudiate
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
Historical fiction novels ___________ two divergent genres
so smoothly that it is often difficult for the reader to
remember that he is reading an imagined tale, rather than
a true life account of events in the past.
(watch the entire video)

13. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) adulterate
(B) divulge
(C) amalgamate
(D) stymie
(E) conflate
(F) repudiate
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
Historical fiction novels ___________ two divergent genres
so smoothly that it is often difficult for the reader to
remember that he is reading an imagined tale, rather than
a true life account of events in the past.
(watch the entire video)

14. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) adulterate
(B) divulge
(C) amalgamate
(D) stymie
(E) conflate
(F) repudiate
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
Historical fiction novels ___________ two divergent genres
so smoothly that it is often difficult for the reader to
remember that he is reading an imagined tale, rather than
a true life account of events in the past.
unify
#15. unify
(watch the entire video)

15. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part I
(A) adulterate
(B) divulge
(C) amalgamate
(D) stymie
(E) conflate
(F) repudiate
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
Historical fiction novels ___________ two divergent genres
so smoothly that it is often difficult for the reader to
remember that he is reading an imagined tale, rather than
a true life account of events in the past.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
unify
#15. unify


(watch the entire video)

16. Practice Question
The new law was approved only after several provisions
were included that _________ those lawmakers who were
opposed to the law as it was originally proposed.
(A) espoused
(B) mollified
(C) belabored
(D) sedated
(E) placated
(F) aggrandized
(watch the entire video)

17. Practice Question
(A) espoused
(B) mollified
(C) belabored
(D) sedated
(E) placated
(F) aggrandized
The new law was approved only after several provisions
were included that _________ those lawmakers who were
opposed to the law as it was originally proposed.
satisfied
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


satisfied
(watch the entire video)

18. Practice Question
The long line in the coffee shop grew even longer after
one particularly angry customer’s _________ to the
cashier about having to wait so long for service.
(A) ovation
(B) tirade
(C) diatribe
(D) quip
(E) query
(F) account
(watch the entire video)

19. Practice Question
The long line in the coffee shop grew even longer after
one particularly angry customer’s _________ to the
cashier about having to wait so long for service.
(A) ovation
(B) tirade
(C) diatribe
(D) quip
(E) query
(F) account
rant
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


rant
(watch the entire video)

20. 1. Read the entire sentence to understand the big picture
• paraphrase if necessary
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
• relationship words
3. Predict an appropriate word for the blank (before checking
the answer choices)
4. Check the answer choices, and use scratch paper to record
responses
5. Beware of trap answers
6. Confirm that the two words create sentences with the same
meaning
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(watch the entire video)

21. Relationship words: connect parts that work together or
against each other
(A) disenchantment
(B) gratitude
(C) appreciation
(D) disillusion
(E) apathy
(F) passivity
The surly staff displayed nothing but ungratefulness,
rather than ___________ for weekend mountain
retreat that the company had paid for.
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(watch the entire video)

22. Relationship words: connect parts that work together or
against each other
(A) disenchantment
(B) gratitude
(C) appreciation
(D) disillusion
(E) apathy
(F) passivity
The surly staff displayed nothing but ungratefulness,
rather than ___________ for weekend mountain
retreat that the company had paid for.
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(watch the entire video)

23. Relationship words: connect parts that work together or
against each other
(A) disenchantment
(B) gratitude
(C) appreciation
(D) disillusion
(E) apathy
(F) passivity
The surly staff displayed nothing but ungratefulness,
rather than ___________ for weekend mountain
retreat that the company had paid for.
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
gratefulness
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
gratefulness
(watch the entire video)

24. Relationship words: connect parts that work together or
against each other
(A) disenchantment
(B) gratitude
(C) appreciation
(D) disillusion
(E) apathy
(F) passivity
The surly staff displayed nothing but ungratefulness,
rather than ___________ for weekend mountain
retreat that the company had paid for.
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
gratefulness
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
gratefulness


(watch the entire video)

25. Work Together Work Against
and despite
furthermore yet
therefore though
in addition nevertheless
likewise but
similar to although
moreover instead
so even though
thus meanwhile
Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(watch the entire video)

26. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(A) tacit
(B) flip
(C) legal
(D) implicit
(E) statutory
(F) virtuous
At first, the _________ promise of cooperation was enough
for the two sides to trust each other, but later, after tensions
rose, a written treaty became necessary.
Words of time
(watch the entire video)

27. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(A) tacit
(B) flip
(C) legal
(D) implicit
(E) statutory
(F) virtuous
At first, the _________ promise of cooperation was enough
for the two sides to trust each other, but later, after tensions
rose, a written treaty became necessary.
Words of time
(watch the entire video)

28. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(A) tacit
(B) flip
(C) legal
(D) implicit
(E) statutory
(F) virtuous
At first, the _________ promise of cooperation was enough
for the two sides to trust each other, but later, after tensions
rose, a written treaty became necessary.
Words of time
informally understood
informally understood
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
(watch the entire video)

29. Sentence Equivalence Strategy – Part II
(A) tacit
(B) flip
(C) legal
(D) implicit
(E) statutory
(F) virtuous
At first, the _________ promise of cooperation was enough
for the two sides to trust each other, but later, after tensions
rose, a written treaty became necessary.
Words of time
informally understood
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

informally understood

(watch the entire video)

30. Practice Question
In addition to the lack of yard space provided by the
_________ homes, off-street parking is also a rare
commodity in the tightly packed boroughs of New York City.
(A) prefabricated
(B) contiguous
(C) atypical
(D) squalid
(E) economical
(F) abutting
(watch the entire video)

31. Practice Question
In addition to the lack of yard space provided by the
_________ homes, off-street parking is also a rare
commodity in the tightly packed boroughs of New York City.
(A) prefabricated
(B) contiguous
(C) atypical
(D) squalid
(E) economical
(F) abutting
tightly-packed
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


tightly-packed
(watch the entire video)

32. Practice Question
(A) variegated
(B) sundry
(C) arduous
(D) prosaic
(E) habitual
(F) myriad
While Sofia engaged in _____________ pursuits
during her weekend leisure time, her husband Paul
was interested only in watching sports.
(watch the entire video)

33. Practice Question
(A) variegated
(B) sundry
(C) arduous
(D) prosaic
(E) habitual
(F) myriad
While Sofia engaged in _____________ pursuits
during her weekend leisure time, her husband Paul
was interested only in watching sports.
many different
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


many different
(watch the entire video)

34. Practice Question
(A) raucous
(B) uncouth
(C) egregious
(D) insipid
(E) tempestuous
(F) banal
Reality television programming often involves footage of
people engaging in the most _________ daily activities that
would interest no one to watch, so it must be the extravagant
personalities of the cast that attract such a large audience.
(watch the entire video)

35. Practice Question
(A) raucous
(B) uncouth
(C) egregious
(D) insipid
(E) tempestuous
(F) banal
Reality television programming often involves footage of
people engaging in the most _________ daily activities that
would interest no one to watch, so it must be the extravagant
personalities of the cast that attract such a large audience.
ordinary
ordinary
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


(watch the entire video)

36. Building Your Vocabulary
• A high Verbal score requires a strong vocabulary
• About ½ of all Verbal questions test your vocabulary
• About 200,000 words in modern English
• The test-makers consistently test certain words
• We’ve created two word lists:
- 500 basic GRE words (censure, discomfit)
- 500 advanced GRE words (opprobrium, tumid)
• 2 ways to access the word lists
- From the Greenlight Test Prep webpage
- Quizlet.com (www.Quizlet.com/Greenlight-GRE)
• 500 basic words: www.Quizlet.com/18795939/gre-basic-flash-cards
• 500 advanced words: www.Quizlet.com/18809160/gre-advanced-flash-cards
(watch the entire video)

37. Building Your Vocabulary
Engage, Engage, Engage
synchronize - occur at the same time
- syn: together
- chron: time
froward - stubbornly contrary
• Identify at least 1 synonym and 1 antonym
• Indicate whether the word is positive (+), negative (-),
or neutral (N)
• Identify prefixes and roots
• Say each word/definition aloud
• Write/say a sentence that uses the word
• Use imagery and mnemonic devices
• Rhyming
(watch the entire video)

38. Building Your Vocabulary
drawn by David Sovka
truculence – fierce aggression
(watch the entire video)

39. Building Your Vocabulary
Quizlet.com
(watch the entire video)

40. Building Your Vocabulary
Quizlet.com
(watch the entire video)

41. Building Your Vocabulary
Quizlet.com
(watch the entire video)

42. Using Prefixes
ab: away from
abide, abode, abundant, and ability: unrelated to away from
Common prefixes
abjure, abstemious, abscond and abolish: related to away from
Download prefix list from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

43. Using Prefixes
co: with
Common prefixes
cooperate, collaborate
com: with
committee, compatriot
con: with
concurrent, conjunction
Download prefix list from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

44. Using Prefixes
Common prefixes
in: not
incredible, independent, insecure
in: into
input, insert
Download prefix list from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

45. Using Prefixes
(A) prodigious
(B) superfluous
(C) obstreperous
The doctor declined to squander any more time
trying to reason with the _________ patient.
Download prefix list from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

46. Using Prefixes
The doctor declined to squander any more time
trying to reason with the _________ patient.
(A) prodigious
(B) superfluous
(C) obstreperous
ob: against

Download prefix list from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

47. Using Roots
euphony
Examples of roots
eu: good
phon: sound
(watch the entire video)

48. Using Roots
euphony: a pleasing sound
Examples of roots
eu: good
phon: sound
Other examples: euphemism, phonetics
(watch the entire video)

49. Using Roots
pandemic
Examples of roots
pan: everywhere
dem: people
(watch the entire video)

50. Using Roots
pandemic: affecting a large number of people
Examples of roots
pan: everywhere
dem: people
Other examples: panacea, demagogue
The obsession with Apple products among American
youth has reached pandemic proportions.
(watch the entire video)

51. Using Roots
tractable
Examples of roots
tract: to pull or drag
(watch the entire video)

52. Using Roots
tractable: easily led or managed
Examples of roots
tract: to pull or drag
Other examples: attractive, contract
Download list of roots from the
Greenlight Test Prep website
(watch the entire video)

53. Using Roots
circumlocution
Examples of roots
circ: around
loc, log, loq, lix: speech
(watch the entire video)

54. Using Roots
circumlocution: a roundabout or indirect way of speaking
Examples of roots
circ: around
loc, log, loq, lix: speech
Other examples: monologue, eloquent, prolix
(watch the entire video)

55. Using Roots
(A) to remove from a jury
(B) to renounce under oath
(C) to act as legal counsel
abjure
(watch the entire video)

56. Using Roots
(A) to remove from a jury
(B) to renounce under oath
(C) to act as legal counsel
abjure
ab: away from
jur: legal

(watch the entire video)

57. Using Roots
(A) chronologically out of place
(B) moving backwards in time
(C) to be out of sync with the days
anachronism
(watch the entire video)

58. Using Roots
(A) chronologically out of place
(B) moving backwards in time
(C) to be out of sync with the days
anachronism
a: without
chron: time

(watch the entire video)

59. Using Roots
(A) to increase tension over
(B) to lessen the force of
(C) to extend beyond the normal
attenuate
(watch the entire video)

60. Using Roots
(A) to increase tension over
(B) to lessen the force of
(C) to extend beyond the normal
attenuate
a: without
ten: hold

(watch the entire video)

61. Using Roots
(A) to banish or outlaw
(B) to provide a testimonial
(C) to guarantee
proscribe
(watch the entire video)

62. Using Roots
(A) to banish or outlaw
(B) to provide a testimonial
(C) to guarantee
proscribe
pro: support
scrib: to write

This counterintuitive example shows that the
best strategy is to learn the actual definitions
rather than rely on other strategies
(watch the entire video)

63. Word Association
Hermetic
(A) irate
(B) depressing
(C) solitary
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

64. Word Association
hermetically sealed
Hermetic
(A) irate
(B) depressing
(C) solitary
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

65. Word Association
Hermetic
(A) irate
(B) depressing
(C) solitary
hermetically sealed: sealed airtight
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

66. Word Association
(A) irate
(B) depressing
(C) solitary
hermetically sealed: sealed airtight
Hermetic = airtight?
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

67. Word Association
(A) irate
(B) depressing
(C) solitary
hermetically sealed: sealed airtight
Hermetic = airtight?

Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

68. Word Association
Zenith
(A) challenge
(B) peak
(C) abyss
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

69. Word Association
Zenith = something positive
zenith brand electronics
(A) challenge
(B) peak
(C) abyss
Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

70. Word Association
Zenith = something positive
zenith brand electronics
(A) challenge
(B) peak
(C) abyss

Consider the context in which you may have
heard a word (or part of a word) before
(watch the entire video)

71. Word Association
canonical
(A) dangerous
(B) devout
(C) authoritative
(watch the entire video)

72. Word Association
canonical canon law in Catholicism
(A) dangerous
(B) devout
(C) authoritative 
(watch the entire video)

73. Word Association
peregrination
(A) hobby
(B) journey
(C) idea
(watch the entire video)

74. Word Association
peregrination peregrine falcon
(A) hobby
(B) journey
(C) idea

(watch the entire video)

75. Trap Answers
Common Trap
• Answers that kind of fit, but are not supported by the
descriptive words/phrases
(watch the entire video)

76. Trap Answers
(A) climbing
(B) admiring
(C) scaling
(D) sketching
(E) witnessing
(F) drawing
Upon _________ a local mountain, Kevin observed that
the townspeople below looked small and insignificant.
Words with multiple meanings
(watch the entire video)

77. Trap Answers
(A) climbing
(B) admiring
(C) scaling
(D) sketching
(E) witnessing
(F) drawing
climbing
scaling: removing scales
scaling: climbing
Upon _________ a local mountain, Kevin observed that
the townspeople below looked small and insignificant.
Words with multiple meanings
(watch the entire video)

78. Trap Answers
(A) climbing
(B) admiring
(C) scaling
(D) sketching
(E) witnessing
(F) drawing
There are many words with
more than one meaning!
- plastic
- steep
- strut
- foil
- date
- present
climbingUpon _________ a local mountain, Kevin observed that
the townspeople below looked small and insignificant.
Words with multiple meanings


(watch the entire video)

79. Trap Answers
The _________ treatment of Bosnian and Croatian civilians
by Slobodan Milosevic led to war crime charges against him.
(A) gratuitous
(B) fatuous
(C) barbarous
(D) moribund
(E) delusional
(F) truculent
Words with perceived definitions and connotations
(watch the entire video)

80. Trap Answers
The _________ treatment of Bosnian and Croatian civilians
by Slobodan Milosevic led to war crime charges against him.
(A) gratuitous
(B) fatuous
(C) barbarous
(D) moribund
(E) delusional
(F) truculent
gratuitous violence in movies
Words with perceived definitions and connotations
(watch the entire video)

81. Trap Answers
The _________ treatment of Bosnian and Croatian civilians
by Slobodan Milosevic led to war crime charges against him.
(A) gratuitous
(B) fatuous
(C) barbarous
(D) moribund
(E) delusional
(F) truculent
gratuitous: unwarranted
Words with perceived definitions and connotations
(watch the entire video)

82. Trap Answers
The _________ treatment of Bosnian and Croatian civilians
by Slobodan Milosevic led to war crime charges against him.
(A) gratuitous
(B) fatuous
(C) barbarous
(D) moribund
(E) delusional
(F) truculent

Words with perceived definitions and connotations
gratuitous: unwarranted
(watch the entire video)

83. Trap Answers
The _________ treatment of Bosnian and Croatian civilians
by Slobodan Milosevic led to war crime charges against him.
(A) gratuitous
(B) fatuous
(C) barbarous
(D) moribund
(E) delusional
(F) truculent



Words with perceived definitions and connotations
gratuitous: unwarranted
(watch the entire video)

84. Trap Answers
Words with perceived definitions and connotations
Neutral words often perceived as negative: rhetoric,
capricious, idolatrous
Neutral words often perceived as positive: prolific, aesthetic
Don’t attribute tone
that doesn’t exist
(watch the entire video)

85. Trap Answers
Words that look right but have a different meaning
Due to the _________ arrival of Mrs. Jenkins, who had
confused the time on the invitation, Mrs. Pemberton was
not yet dressed when the doorbell rang.
(A) inopportune
(B) comely
(C) extemporaneous
(D) improbable
(E) furtive
(F) untimely
(watch the entire video)

86. Trap Answers
Words that look right but have a different meaning
Due to the _________ arrival of Mrs. Jenkins, who had
confused the time on the invitation, Mrs. Pemberton was
not yet dressed when the doorbell rang.
(A) inopportune
(B) comely
(C) extemporaneous
(D) improbable
(E) furtive
(F) untimely
early
(watch the entire video)

87. Trap Answers
Words that look right but have a different meaning
Due to the _________ arrival of Mrs. Jenkins, who had
confused the time on the invitation, Mrs. Pemberton was
not yet dressed when the doorbell rang.
early
(A) inopportune
(B) comely
(C) extemporaneous
(D) improbable
(E) furtive
(F) untimely
ex: out of
tempor: time
(watch the entire video)

88. Trap Answers
Words that look right but have a different meaning
Due to the _________ arrival of Mrs. Jenkins, who had
confused the time on the invitation, Mrs. Pemberton was
not yet dressed when the doorbell rang.
(A) inopportune
(B) comely
(C) extemporaneous
(D) improbable
(E) furtive
(F) untimely



early
= improvised
(watch the entire video)

89. Trap Answers
Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
Marshall was too embarrassed about the subpar job his
company had done constructing the new town hall to
remain on stage and accept the unsuspecting mayor’s
___________.
(A) accolades
(B) rebukes
(C) emollients
(D) commendations
(E) admonitions
(F) apexes
(watch the entire video)

90. Trap Answers
Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
Marshall was too embarrassed about the subpar job his
company had done constructing the new town hall to
remain on stage and accept the unsuspecting mayor’s
___________.
(A) accolades
(B) rebukes
(C) emollients
(D) commendations
(E) admonitions
(F) apexes
criticism
(watch the entire video)

91. Trap Answers
Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
(A) accolades
(B) rebukes
(C) emollients
(D) commendations
(E) admonitions
(F) apexes
Marshall was too embarrassed about the subpar job his
company had done constructing the new town hall to
remain on stage and accept the unsuspecting mayor’s
___________.
(watch the entire video)

92. Trap Answers
Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
(A) accolades
(B) rebukes
(C) emollients
(D) commendations
(E) admonitions
(F) apexes
Marshall was too embarrassed about the subpar job his
company had done constructing the new town hall to
remain on stage and accept the unsuspecting mayor’s
___________.praise/award


(watch the entire video)

93. Trap Answers
Great word with no matching word
John Dalton’s atomic theory may have been _________
in the early 1800s, but nowadays it is rare to find a
schoolchild who isn’t familiar with it.
(A) esoteric
(B) pioneering
(C) recondite
(D) enervating
(E) farcical
(F) perfunctory
(watch the entire video)

94. Trap Answers
Great word with no matching word
John Dalton’s atomic theory may have been _________
in the early 1800s, but nowadays it is rare to find a
schoolchild who isn’t familiar with it.
(A) esoteric
(B) pioneering
(C) recondite
(D) enervating
(E) farcical
(F) perfunctory
(watch the entire video)

95. Trap Answers
Great word with no matching word
John Dalton’s atomic theory may have been _________
in the early 1800s, but nowadays it is rare to find a
schoolchild who isn’t familiar with it.
(A) esoteric
(B) pioneering
(C) recondite
(D) enervating
(E) farcical
(F) perfunctory
(watch the entire video)

96. Trap Answers
Great word with no matching word
John Dalton’s atomic theory may have been _________
in the early 1800s, but nowadays it is rare to find a
schoolchild who isn’t familiar with it.
(A) esoteric
(B) pioneering
(C) recondite
(D) enervating
(E) farcical
(F) perfunctory


(watch the entire video)

97. Trap Answers
Common Traps
• Answers that kind of fit, but are not supported by the
descriptive words/phrases
• Words with multiple meanings
• Words with perceived definitions and connotations
• Words that look right but have a different meaning
• Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
• Great word with no matching word
(watch the entire video)

98. Practice Question
(A) stem
(B) hedge
(C) waffle
(D) rail
(E) flush
(F) fell
Tests given under strict time constraints require
students to be decisive and leave them little
opportunity to __________.
(watch the entire video)

99. Practice Question
(A) stem
(B) hedge
(C) waffle
(D) rail
(E) flush
(F) fell
Tests given under strict time constraints require
students to be decisive and leave them little
opportunity to __________.
be indecisive
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
be indecisive


(watch the entire video)

100. Practice Question
(A) a frugal
(B) an esoteric
(C) a miserly
(D) a novel
(E) a provident
(F) a pristine
After the economy suffered a precipitous decline, tips
on living ____________ life became a popular feature
in countless magazines, newspapers and blogs as
families everywhere sought to trim expenses.
(watch the entire video)

101. Practice Question
(A) a frugal
(B) an esoteric
(C) a miserly
(D) a novel
(E) a provident
(F) a pristine
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

After the economy suffered a precipitous decline, tips
on living ____________ life became a popular feature
in countless magazines, newspapers and blogs as
families everywhere sought to trim expenses.

cheap
a cheap
(watch the entire video)

102. Practice Question
For some, the ______________ of love in the form of a
gift is necessary for their reassurance that the feelings are
sincere; for others, a simple verbal expression will suffice.
(A) archetype
(B) reproof
(C) synthesis
(D) incarnation
(E) manifestation
(F) fidelity
(watch the entire video)

103. Practice Question
(A) archetype
(B) reproof
(C) synthesis
(D) incarnation
(E) manifestation
(F) fidelity
physical
demonstrationFor some, the ______________ of love in the form of a
gift is necessary for their reassurance that the feelings are
sincere; for others, a simple verbal expression will suffice.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
physical
demonstration


(watch the entire video)

104. Practice Question
Mechanics warn that the failure to schedule _________
maintenance checks of your vehicle could result in serious
mechanical malfunctions at inopportune moments.
(A) unremitting
(B) perpetual
(C) tetchy
(D) periodic
(E) recurrent
(F) precipitous
(watch the entire video)

105. Practice Question
Mechanics warn that the failure to schedule _________
maintenance checks of your vehicle could result in serious
mechanical malfunctions at inopportune moments.
(A) unremitting
(B) perpetual
(C) tetchy
(D) periodic
(E) recurrent
(F) precipitous
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


(watch the entire video)

106. Practice Question
(A) luminescent
(B) taciturn
(C) lucid
(D) affable
(E) disparate
(F) unequivocal
The president articulated his position on foreign aid in a
very ___________ manner so that there would be no
speculation among the less than scrupulous members of
the media.
(watch the entire video)

107. Practice Question
The president articulated his position on foreign aid in a
very ___________ manner so that there would be no
speculation among the less than scrupulous members of
the media.
(A) luminescent
(B) taciturn
(C) lucid
(D) affable
(E) disparate
(F) unequivocal
unmistakable
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
unmistakable


(watch the entire video)

108. Sentence Equivalence Summary
1. Read the entire sentence to understand the big picture
• paraphrase if necessary
2. Identify words/phrases that provide context for the blank,
especially
• descriptive words/phrases (adjectives/adverbs)
• relationship words
3. Predict an appropriate word for the blank (before checking
the answer choices)
4. Check the answer choices, and use scratch paper to record
responses
5. Beware of trap answers
6. Confirm that the two words create sentences with the same
meaning
General Strategy
(watch the entire video)

109. Common Traps
• Answers that kind of fit, but are not supported by the
descriptive words/phrases
• Words with multiple meanings
• Words with perceived definitions and connotations
• Words that look right but have a different meaning
• Synonym pairs that are the opposite of what we need
• Great word with no matching word
Sentence Equivalence Summary
(watch the entire video)

110. Sentence Equivalence Summary
• Sentence Equivalence questions test your vocabulary
• Devote time to studying the word lists
• 2 ways to access the word lists
- From the Greenlight Test Prep webpage
- Quizlet.com (www.Quizlet.com/Greenlight-GRE)
(watch the entire video)
• 500 basic words: www.Quizlet.com/18795939/gre-basic-flash-cards
• 500 advanced words: www.Quizlet.com/18809160/gre-advanced-flash-cards
Engage, Engage, Engage
• Identify at least 1 synonym and 1 antonym
• Indicate whether the word is positive (+), negative (-),
or neutral (N)
• Identify prefixes and roots
• Say each word/definition aloud
• Write/say a sentence that uses the word
• Use imagery and mnemonic devices
• Rhyming

111. Sentence Equivalence Summary
(watch the entire video)
Dealing with Unfamiliar Words
• Use prefixes, roots and word association

112. Practice Question
High winds blew down the goalpost in the middle of an
important match, so a _________ substitute was
constructed out of wood until a permanent replacement
could be purchased.
(A) makeshift
(B) provisional
(C) practicable
(D) tangible
(E) flimsy
(F) robust
(watch the entire video)

113. Practice Question
High winds blew down the goalpost in the middle of an
important match, so a _________ substitute was
constructed out of wood until a permanent replacement
could be purchased.
(A) makeshift
(B) provisional
(C) practicable
(D) tangible
(E) flimsy
(F) robust
temporary
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
temporary


(watch the entire video)

114. Practice Question
The _________ link between the evidence and the
conclusion given in the dissertation was only further
weakened by the author’s attempt at justification
during his oral defense.
(A) tenuous
(B) fervent
(C) sordid
(D) opaque
(E) insubstantial
(F) astute
(watch the entire video)

115. Practice Question
The _________ link between the evidence and the
conclusion given in the dissertation was only further
weakened by the author’s attempt at justification
during his oral defense.
(A) tenuous
(B) fervent
(C) sordid
(D) opaque
(E) insubstantial
(F) astute
weak
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


weak
(watch the entire video)

116. Practice Question
Though the Cratchits’ worldly possessions
were _____________, their love for Tiny Tim
was overwhelming.
(A) intricate
(B) eclectic
(C) debasing
(D) antiquated
(E) sparse
(F) meager
(watch the entire video)

117. Practice Question
(A) intricate
(B) eclectic
(C) debasing
(D) antiquated
(E) sparse
(F) meager
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
underwhelming
underwhelming
Though the Cratchits’ worldly possessions
were _____________, their love for Tiny Tim
was overwhelming.


(watch the entire video)

118. Practice Question
(A) vigilance
(B) hegemony
(C) incapacity
(D) humanity
(E) ineptitude
(F) imperium
The lioness exerted surprising _________ over her
litter, dispensing swift discipline to any cub that
defied the established social norms.
(watch the entire video)

119. Practice Question
The lioness exerted surprising _________ over her
litter, dispensing swift discipline to any cub that
defied the established social norms.
(A) vigilance
(B) hegemony
(C) incapacity
(D) humanity
(E) ineptitude
(F) imperium
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
control


control
(watch the entire video)

120. Practice Question
Post-surgical interviews reveal that not all patients are susceptible
to the normally _________ anesthesia that is administered to
render a patient unconscious during an operation, and they may
unexpectedly remain awake for some or much of the procedure.
(A) efficacious
(B) potent
(C) dolorous
(D) intrepid
(E) salubrious
(F) sedulous
(watch the entire video)

121. Practice Question
Post-surgical interviews reveal that not all patients are susceptible
to the normally _________ anesthesia that is administered to
render a patient unconscious during an operation, and they may
unexpectedly remain awake for some or much of the procedure.
(A) efficacious
(B) potent
(C) dolorous
(D) intrepid
(E) salubrious
(F) sedulous
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
effective
effective


(watch the entire video)

122. Practice Question
The apprentice’s _________ in correcting the master’s
technique was so appalling that the master dismissed
the apprentice from his service immediately.
(A) impetuousness
(B) levity
(C) effrontery
(D) complaisance
(E) usury
(F) impudence
(watch the entire video)

123. Practice Question
The apprentice’s _________ in correcting the master’s
technique was so appalling that the master dismissed
the apprentice from his service immediately.
(A) impetuousness
(B) levity
(C) effrontery
(D) complaisance
(E) usury
(F) impudence
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
nerve
nerve


(watch the entire video)

124. Practice Question
(A) nonchalant
(B) dogmatic
(C) erudite
(D) adamant
(E) judicious
(F) blithe
Veda was ___________ about her self-taught methodology
for taking the GRE and found no value in her tutor’s
recommendations of techniques that could improve her score.
(watch the entire video)

125. Practice Question
Veda was ___________ about her self-taught methodology
for taking the GRE and found no value in her tutor’s
recommendations of techniques that could improve her score.
(A) nonchalant
(B) dogmatic
(C) erudite
(D) adamant
(E) judicious
(F) blithe
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
satisfied with
satisfied with


(watch the entire video)

126. Practice Question
The trainer’s _________ comments about the trainee’s
performance were so offensive that the trainee walked
out of the conference room and never returned.
(A) venal
(B) malleable
(C) caustic
(D) tangential
(E) acerbic
(F) delusory
(watch the entire video)

127. Practice Question
The trainer’s _________ comments about the trainee’s
performance were so offensive that the trainee walked
out of the conference room and never returned.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
offensive


offensive
(A) venal
(B) malleable
(C) caustic
(D) tangential
(E) acerbic
(F) delusory
(watch the entire video)

128. Practice Question
(A) ebullient
(B) amenable
(C) genial
(D) irascible
(E) petulant
(F) intractable
Because Bobby had a strange tendency to switch
suddenly from his usually pliant and amiable self
to a rebellious and __________ monster, his
mother decided to take him to a psychologist.
(watch the entire video)

129. Practice Question
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
disagreeable


(A) ebullient
(B) amenable
(C) genial
(D) irascible
(E) petulant
(F) intractable
Because Bobby had a strange tendency to switch
suddenly from his usually pliant and amiable self
to a rebellious and __________ monster, his
mother decided to take him to a psychologist.
disagreeable
(watch the entire video)

130. Practice Question
Despite intense criticism of his initial research,
Goddard did not _________ his detractors but rather
persisted in his work and actually went on to become
a highly respected rocket scientist.
(A) capitulate to
(B) vilify
(C) acquiesce to
(D) seethe at
(E) forbear
(F) fawn over
(watch the entire video)

131. Practice Question
Despite intense criticism of his initial research,
Goddard did not _________ his detractors but rather
persisted in his work and actually went on to become
a highly respected rocket scientist.
(A) capitulate to
(B) vilify
(C) acquiesce to
(D) seethe at
(E) forbear
(F) fawn over
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
give in to


give in to
(watch the entire video)

132. Practice Question
(A) deluged by
(B) bereft of
(C) chafed by
(D) inundated with
(E) devoid of
(F) nonplussed by
After the change in pricing tiers, the company’s customer
service line was so _____________ complaints that it had
to hire extra staff to accommodate the surge.
(watch the entire video)

133. Practice Question
(A) deluged by
(B) bereft of
(C) chafed by
(D) inundated with
(E) devoid of
(F) nonplussed by
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
overwhelmed by


After the change in pricing tiers, the company’s customer
service line was so _____________ complaints that it had
to hire extra staff to accommodate the surge.
overwhelmed by
(watch the entire video)

134. Practice Question
Society must refrain from the ________________ of
supermodels whose body types are far outside the
norm if young women are ever to stop believing that
attaining a certain body type is the only way to earn
admiration and respect.
(A) exposition
(B) adulation
(C) proliferation
(D) derogation
(E) deification
(F) belittlement
(watch the entire video)

135. Practice Question
Society must refrain from the ________________ of
supermodels whose body types are far outside the
norm if young women are ever to stop believing that
attaining a certain body type is the only way to earn
admiration and respect.
(A) exposition
(B) adulation
(C) proliferation
(D) derogation
(E) deification
(F) belittlement
admiration/respect
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
admiration/respect


(watch the entire video)

136. Practice Question
(A) veritable
(B) redolent
(C) reticent
(D) enigmatic
(E) ingenuous
(F) inscrutable
The _________ nature of black holes and death is
why people fear them; if more were known, these
natural occurrences would invoke far less trepidation.
(watch the entire video)

137. Practice Question
The _________ nature of black holes and death is
why people fear them; if more were known, these
natural occurrences would invoke far less trepidation.
(A) veritable
(B) redolent
(C) reticent
(D) enigmatic
(E) ingenuous
(F) inscrutable
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
unknown


unknown
(watch the entire video)

138. Practice Question
Even Gabe’s closest friends had grown weary of his
_________ pessimism and wished that he could be
contented for just ten minutes.
(A) axiomatic
(B) perennial
(C) earnest
(D) curt
(E) imperishable
(F) gregarious
(watch the entire video)

139. Practice Question
(A) axiomatic
(B) perennial
(C) earnest
(D) curt
(E) imperishable
(F) gregarious
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
constant


Even Gabe’s closest friends had grown weary of his
_________ pessimism and wished that he could be
contented for just ten minutes.
constant
(watch the entire video)

140. Practice Question
(A) ribald
(B) jejune
(C) latent
(D) bawdy
(E) staid
(F) genteel
When viewed in our more mature years, movies
once seen in adolescence may register as much
more ____________ than our younger, more
wholesome minds were able to perceive.
(watch the entire video)

141. Practice Question
(A) ribald
(B) jejune
(C) latent
(D) bawdy
(E) staid
(F) genteel
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
less wholesome


When viewed in our more mature years, movies
once seen in adolescence may register as much
more ____________ than our younger, more
wholesome minds were able to perceive.
less wholesome
(watch the entire video)

142. Practice Question
(A) splenetic
(B) incandescent
(C) gossamer
(D) rapacious
(E) verdant
(F) diaphanous
The _________ traces of jam throughout the
chocolate torte teased Wolfgang’s palate with
the most delightful whisper of raspberries.
(watch the entire video)

143. Practice Question
(A) splenetic
(B) incandescent
(C) gossamer
(D) rapacious
(E) verdant
(F) diaphanous
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
slight


The _________ traces of jam throughout the
chocolate torte teased Wolfgang’s palate with
the most delightful whisper of raspberries.
slight
(watch the entire video)

144. Practice Question
It is rather ironic that while some performers have
no aversion to prattling away onstage for hours to
entertain an audience, offstage they are the least
_________ people you could ever meet.
(A) droll
(B) garrulous
(C) sanguine
(D) jovial
(E) loquacious
(F) illustrious
(watch the entire video)

145. Practice Question
(A) droll
(B) garrulous
(C) sanguine
(D) jovial
(E) loquacious
(F) illustrious
It is rather ironic that while some performers have
no aversion to prattling away onstage for hours to
entertain an audience, offstage they are the least
_________ people you could ever meet.talkative
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
talkative


(watch the entire video)

146. Practice Question
The _________ with which the messenger was said
to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to
Athens inspires all modern runners of the
eponymous race to push on to the finish line.
(A) virulence
(B) alacrity
(C) predilection
(D) celerity
(E) acumen
(F) affliction
(watch the entire video)

147. Practice Question
The _________ with which the messenger was said
to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to
Athens inspires all modern runners of the
eponymous race to push on to the finish line.
(A) virulence
(B) alacrity
(C) predilection
(D) celerity
(E) acumen
(F) affliction
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
persistence


persistence
(watch the entire video)

148. Practice Question
Even people who have demonstrated a considerable
lack of _________ in their own lives feel justified in
criticizing public figures who are caught in scandals
involving adultery, fraud, or corruption.
(A) impunity
(B) heresy
(C) rectitude
(D) equanimity
(E) probity
(F) verisimilitude
(watch the entire video)

149. Practice Question
(A) impunity
(B) heresy
(C) rectitude
(D) equanimity
(E) probity
(F) verisimilitude
(A) impunity
(B) heresy
(C) rectitude
(D) equanimity
(E) probity
(F) verisimilitude
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
morality


morality
Even people who have demonstrated a considerable
lack of _________ in their own lives feel justified in
criticizing public figures who are caught in scandals
involving adultery, fraud, or corruption.
(watch the entire video)

150. Practice Question
(A) filibusters
(B) platitudes
(C) witticisms
(D) palliatives
(E) bromides
(F) panegyrics
Given that Kyle’s speeches to his staff are so full of
corporate __________, one must doubt his ability to
speak sincerely, even among members of his own family.
(watch the entire video)

151. Practice Question
Given that Kyle’s speeches to his staff are so full of
corporate __________, one must doubt his ability to
speak sincerely, even among members of his own family.
(A) filibusters
(B) platitudes
(C) witticisms
(D) palliatives
(E) bromides
(F) panegyrics
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.


insincerities
insincerities
(watch the entire video)

152. If you enjoy this learning format, let us
know, and we’ll add similar resources to
our SlideShare page.
GRE Sentence Equivalence - Everything you need to know